Caterpillar 303.5E Mini Excavators for Sale

Caterpillar 303.5E · Mini excavators

Caterpillar 303.5E

A compact radius 3.5 tonne Cat mini excavator built for confined-site digging with full-size hydraulic performance.

Key specifications

Engine: Cat C1.8, 23.6 kW (31.6 hp) net power (ISO 9249) at 2400 rpm
Operating weight: approx. 3548 kg with canopy, 3732 kg with cab (configuration dependent)
Maximum digging depth: 2880 mm (standard stick)
Maximum reach at ground line: 5060 mm (standard stick)
Tail swing radius: 890 mm (compact radius design)
Hydraulics: Load sensing system, 87.6 L/min pump flow, 60 L/min primary auxiliary circuit

Model overview

The Caterpillar 303.5E is a 3.5 tonne class mini hydraulic excavator from Cat's E Series, sold as the 303.5E CR with a compact radius design and a large integrated counterweight for stability. Caterpillar's specification sheet lists a Cat C1.8 engine with 23.6 kW (31.6 hp) net power, an operating weight of approx. 3548 kg with canopy or 3732 kg with cab, and a maximum digging depth of 2880 mm. Cat positions it for high performance in tight, space-restricted applications, with load sensing hydraulics and over 200 degrees of bucket rotation for truck loading and vertical wall digging.

At a glance

GenerationE Series (marketed as 303.5E CR); succeeded by the 303.5E2 CR and the current 303.5 CR, so confirm the exact series letter on the serial plate when comparing listings.

Canopy vs cabCanopy with FOPS/TOPS (falling-object and tip-over) protection is the factory standard; the enclosed cab with heater and air conditioning is optional and adds around 180 kg, so check which configuration a used unit carries.

Tracks and undercarriageRubber tracks are standard with steel track optional; on any used mini check track wear, sprocket and roller condition, since undercarriage refurbishment is a major cost item.

Configuration dependenceWeight and dig figures vary with stick, blade, track and cab options; standard equipment includes a swing boom, dozer blade with float and two-way auxiliary hydraulic lines.

4672 machines · €390 - €498,960 · 1989 to 2026 · China, Germany, Netherlands

View all Caterpillar 303.5E listings Open filters

Specifications sourced from s7d2.scene7.com (official manufacturer page).